The Kremlin dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new sanctions on Russia if a peace agreement with Ukraine is not reached, calling the move unsurprising and lacking new elements.
“We do not see any particular new elements here,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Thursday. Peskov added that Trump “liked sanctions” and often used them during his first term as president.
Speaking to independent media outlet Meduza, Peskov emphasized Russia’s willingness for dialogue. “Russia is ready for an equal and careful dialogue with the United States, which we had during Trump’s first term. We are waiting for signals that have not yet been received,” he said.
On Wednesday, Trump issued a stark warning via his Truth Social platform, threatening additional sanctions and tariffs against Russia if President Vladimir Putin fails to end the war in Ukraine.
“Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous War! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE,” Trump wrote. “If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of Taxes, Tariffs, and Sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States. We can do it the easy way, or the hard way — and the easy way is always better.”
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its third year, with the war claiming tens of thousands of lives on both sides. Ukrainian forces continue to resist as Moscow’s assault presses on.
The conflict has drawn widespread international condemnation, with sanctions already in place from the U.S. and its allies aiming to cripple Russia’s economy and pressure the Kremlin into ending the hostilities.
politico.eu
